We started with the intention of writing a “best sports attractions in Taiwan” list then quickly came to our senses. While other sports such as basketball are gaining in popularity, baseball is sports in Taiwan. That’s right, America’s national pastime is just as big here is East Asia, if not proportionately more so. That means big fans of hardball from around the world are in for a treat when coming to Taiwan. Let’s take a look at which attractions you need to add to your itinerary.
3 Must Visit Stadiums and Attractions in Taiwan for Baseball Fans
Kaohsiung Li De Baseball Stadium
Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
This is the first and thus the oldest baseball stadium in Taiwan. It’s where it all started, really. To some, the approximately 100 year old stadium is almost as much of a landmark as the ancient temples that reside on the island (well, almost). In the beginning it was home to the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), and now it is where junior and amateur level baseball games are played, along with intermittent minor league games. The stadium was also featured in our recent article about must visit film locations in Taiwan, as the internationally renowned baseball film Kano was shot here. There may not be a lot of bells and whistles for tourists to see at the stadium, but those who have a deep appreciation for baseball history anywhere in the world will dig this Taiwanese brick-and-mortar field of dreams.
Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium
Linghang North Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Unlike the century-old Kaohsiung Li De Baseball Stadium, this destination has only been around for a decade. But as the home to the Lamigo Monkeys minor league baseball team, you’ll be able to nab some awesome team swag (hats, jerseys, etc.) that your friends (and fellow baseball fans) will be curious about on your return back home. In fact, the stadium knows how to put on a show beyond the games themselves. Equally known for the LamiGirls cheerleading team, themed events on game days, and great team merchandise the 20,000 seat stadium attracts more than baseball fans as both locals and tourists alike flock to the stadium to see what’s on deck. Be warned, things can get pretty wacky. This year, the Taoyuan International Airport MRT will connect new arrivals right to the stadium, so you can check this destination off of your list within minutes of landing! Visit the Lamigo Monkeys Facebook page for game schedule and event updates.
Taichung Lilo Baseball Creative Park
Beitun District, Taichung, Taiwan
If you can only visit one baseball attraction in Taiwan this is it. Taichung Lilo Baseball Creative Park’s all-star attraction is the recently constructed Mini-Dome, which is fan facility shaped like a giant baseball. But that’s not all to draw your attention to the Park, as on site you’ll also find the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium which was home to the 2006 Intercontinental Cup, a baseball tournament between eight nations from four different continents. Today the stadium is best known as the home of the Chinatrust Brothers professional baseball team. Taichung Lilo Baseball Creative Park is also where you’ll find the Brothers Baseball Club Store and an open-air market space that’s open to the public all year long. Perhaps the Park’s greatest interest to baseball fans, is the Taichung Baseball Museum. The quaint facility exhibits memorabilia from the glory days of baseball in Taiwan. While most of the content (signage, etc.) is in Mandarin, the collection of engaging photos/mementos and helpful staff are on hand to deliver insight into Taiwan’s favorite pastime.
Taiwan is a great place to visit for fans of baseball, and the experience will be even better when you have a local guide to take you to the above destinations along with a few hidden gems, including sports bars and markets/shops that sell baseball collectibles, gear, and more. Click here to view all the exciting Taiwan Tours.
